Hospitality trends show both business and leisure travel are on the rise, and the lines between the two are becoming more blurred. Expedia Group Media Solutions says, “It’s not particularly shocking to learn that travelers are combining their business and leisure travel, but it may be somewhat surprising to hear that this is still a rapidly growing phenomenon. Brands should take notice.”
Increase in travel means a boost in occupancy and increased cash flow; however, as we mentioned in our recent article How Design Boosts Hotel Revenue, keeping the design of your hospitality brand looking fresh and current is important to guests. The future success of your accommodations could depend on the decisions and actions you take today to keep your interiors updated.
The Rising Timeshare Trend
As business and leisure travel become more connected, guests are looking for options that are most conducive to accommodating the whole family. They need an option for a parent to work in a secluded area while the rest of the family enjoys the benefits of relaxation and leisure. This has made timeshares or vacation clubs an attractive choice.
Like a hotel, timeshares come fully furnished, are located in desirable destinations, and typically include resort-style amenities. Unlike hotels, most timeshares do not have a set of brand standards or a property improvement plan. In the hospitality industry, these mandates dictate everything from bedding, carpet, artwork, lighting to electrical conveniences, Wi-Fi requirements, and bathroom configurations. Timeshares that do not have the resources to keep their property up to date or have not implemented hospitality standards for continuous improvements are likely to find their rental programs aren’t flourishing.
More timeshare companies realize the value of having a property improvement plan in place to keep their accommodations updated and desirable. They also know now is the time, while timeshare trends are on the rise, to attract travelers who are looking for that business-leisure option.
One Difference and Three Similarities
Nothing is worse than exchanging a timeshare week and arriving at a property that has not been kept up to date. This plays a large role in the guest being disappointed. No one wants to travel hours to arrive in a location and feel that the bedding is old and not clean, there are no convenient outlets for the kids to plug in their electronics, the seating looks tired and dirty and the unit has a bad smell. The property should strive to meet or exceed expectations.
Hospitality design firms, like JAI, are the sought after choice for timeshare interiors. That’s because we have vast experience of working with many both branded and boutique hotels; therefore, we have the expertise to design custom commercial interiors that are specific to attracting potential guests or future buyers to timeshares.
When it comes to interior design, there are many similarities between hotels and timeshares, but there are also some differences. Here, we’ll take a look at both.
DIFFERENCE: PROTOTYPES
Hotel chains have prototypes, which are actual set design packages. A prototype dictates what the end design should look like and how it should function. Timeshare companies do not typically have prototypes to follow. This is one distinction.
Hotels and many timeshares do have brand standards, however, that exist for consistency, efficiency, and creating a sense of familiarity for guests. They also are there to accommodate the desires of their travelers. These standards reflect the industry norms and current trends in color, technology, durability, longevity, codes, ADA requirements, etc.
Working with a firm that is knowledgeable about the level of quality obtained within the industry can help inform better design decisions for timeshare companies.
SIMILARITY: FURNISHINGS
Furnishings and finishes are a reflection of your establishment. You want these pieces to match your timeshare style and be distinct and memorable. With years of experience selecting quality hospitality furniture, JAI can help ensure your furnishings are in keeping with the image you wish to portray.
Working with a design firm that understands the commercial industry is essential. We make our selections based on style but also function. Timeshare furniture use is grueling and requires products that are completely different than a residential project would require. Commercial-grade furnishings are subject to testing, codes and industry standards that do not impact residential products. We have extensive relationships with vendors who offer top quality products that won’t break down and shows wear and tear, and that also pass fire code ratings. JAI also has a track record of success in the hospitality industry.
SIMILARITY: BEDDING
The hospitality industry, as a whole, has experienced a shift in the bedding packages over the last few years. Hotel guests and timeshare owners do not want to sleep in a bed that doesn’t feel clean.
Savvy guests are aware that bedspreads and coverlets do not get washed the same way sheets do. A bedspread or quilted coverlet is becoming something of the past. The current trend is a simple white or decorative top sheet that is laundered every time with the other sheets when a guest or owner leaves. A blanket can be placed between the flat sheet and decorative top sheet for extra warmth. The weight of the blanket varies depending on the weather in a particular season or location.
In conjunction with the simpler bedding trend, a lot of timeshare clients are using printed top sheets and decorative pillows to make the rooms feel more like home. Properties are also letting us get more creative with the other elements in the room, like carpeting and fabric patterns.
SIMILARITY: TECHNOLOGY
An important hospitality design trend that is no longer an option is technology. Without a doubt we all have to accept that technology is a must at every property.
All rooms must have high-speed Wi-Fi (preferably complementary), flat-screen TV’s, docking stations, and dual USB/power outlets in lamps for easy access. If guests wish to continue to work while traveling, then technology conveniences are a must. In addition, the kids want to play their games and have ongoing access to their devices.
Some of the larger, branded hotels and timeshare management companies are transitioning to smart TV’s to enable their guests to play their own music and access their streaming channels. With bluetooth capabilities, guests can even connect their mobile devices to room technology. This is a trend that is only going to continue to become a growing demand.
Let’s Connect
To discuss more similarities and differences between hotels and timeshares, please reach out to me. I would be happy to talk more about your specific project needs.
JAI is committed to Design That Makes a Difference in every space we create. We are open to the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, and will always design with your guest in mind.
